Israel schools reopen debate: Jerusalem says Wednesday, Forum 16 cities say Sunday

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion announced his intention to partially reopen Jerusalem's school system on Wednesday, following Education Minister Yoav Kisch's plan allowing low-risk local authorities to resume schooling. Lion's proposed first phase: daycares, grades 1-2, and special education schools — but only facilities with bomb shelters. 'I support this move because our children also need a routine, an educational framework and meetings with friends and teachers,' Lion said, stressing the plan is subject to security assessment. However, mayors of Forum 16 cities — Herzliya, Rishon Lezion, Ra'anana, Rehovot, and Netanya — pushed back sharply. Forum head Carmel Shama-Hacohen: 'It's enough to look at the skies of Israel and what is reported in the media to understand that opening the education system means taking an excessive risk and is irresponsible.' Haifa, Modiin, and several other major cities also oppose reopening this week. This policy rift reflects growing domestic pressure on the Israeli government to balance war-emergency measures with civilian life normalcy — 10 days into a conflict with no visible end.